In the previous articles, we have learned about the properties of water, and how the body reacts to the application of cold and hot water. This month we will begin to delve into the different forms of hydrotherapy; we will learn about their proper use and the ailments that are treated using the various methods.
Already in the time of Ancient Israel, Moses had been given instruction by God on the many laws regarding bathing. The Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans built extensive baths in their cities, but, these practices fell by the way for many centuries.
For 1,000 years during the Dark Ages, Dr. Kellogg (see reference below) writes, “the bath was unknown in Europe.” In Spain it was sacrilegious for a woman to bathe more than once in her life. During this time, plagues and pestilence killed millions of people, much of it due to the unhygienic conditions at the time.
In the book, Uses of Water, by Dr. J.H. Kellogg, written in 1876, we find a comprehensive study on the properties of water that were known at that time (some erroneous understandings regarding water and its properties still persisted), and its effects on the body, along with the different forms of hydrotherapy they practiced. The custom at that time was for people to bathe once a year, and many people had not taken a full bath in their whole lifetime. However, science had evolved to the point where the skin was recognized as part of the elimination system, where “poisons” leave the body through the millions of pores contained in the skin. In his book, Dr. Kellogg suggests that a daily to tri-weekly bath, accompanied by friction, will keep the skin clean, supple, and vigorous. He also recommends that adding a little soap is helpful for removing the oily secretions on the skin.
During Dr. Kellogg’s lifetime, water had been studied scientifically. The usefulness of water was recognized and standard medical textbooks acknowledged water as an excellent remedy for many diseased conditions. Dr. Kellogg states, “There are very few agents which possess so many remedial properties as water. There are none which effect so much with so little expense to the vital powers of the patient. . . . The aim of the faithful physician should be to accomplish for his patient the greatest amount of good at the least expense of vitality; and it is an undisputable fact that in a large number of cases water is just the agent with which this desirable end can be obtained.”
FORMS OF HYDROTHERAPY
Full Body Pack
This is the most effective and most powerful of all water therapies. A full body pack works as a sedative, improves circulation, produces perspiration, and allows for release of toxins through the skin. Conditions that can be treated include fever, anxiety, cold/flu, skin conditions, joint and muscle problems, and menopause.
APPLYING A FULL BODY PACK
The entire body is wrapped in a cold, wet sheet and covered with a dry thick blanket. The feet are kept warm with blankets or a hot foot bath. The pack is left in place until the body heat dries the sheet. The effect depends on the duration of the treatment.
The full body pack has four specific stages of treatment:
- When the pack is still cold, it can reduce fever, weakness (5 minutes)
- Slowly the pack heats up from the body heat. Decreases anxiety, nervousness, decreases perception of pain, encourages sleep and relaxation (1/2 hour)
- Hot stage. Relieves sinus congestion, pain, bowel discomfort (1/2 hour)
- Profuse sweating. Detoxifying.
During the hot stages, a cold cloth should be applied to the forehead to prevent dizziness from loss of blood to the head. The whole process takes about three hours. The pack can be removed at any of the four stages if the stage of the pack has served its purpose.
STEAM BATH
The steam bath was first made popular by ancient Greeks and Romans. It consists of a steam-filled room, and was used for the purpose of relaxation and cleansing. It is recommended for healing whenever generalized moist heat applications and steam are indicated. Conditions include: asthma, bronchitis, coughs, rheumatic conditions, painful joints, musculoskeletal pain, chronic back pain, sciatica, skin conditions, insomnia, elimination of toxins, relieve headaches and nausea.
STEAM BATH EFFECTS
In a steam bath, the surface circulation of blood increases which absorbs more heat into the body. The rise in body temperature depends mainly on the temperature and humidity contents of the steam bath, the sweating capacity of the bather, and the length of bathing time. Overall, the body temperature rises when the environmental temperature reaches the levels present in saunas and steam baths. The impact of the steam bath is due in part to the rise in body temperature and the action of the hormonal and nervous systems attempts to increase heat loss. In a steam bath, humidity is above 100%, therefore, a moist heat. The moisture-laded air does not allow for evaporation of sweat, so you continue to sweat. Typically the heat in steam baths is approximately 43C–46C (109F–115F). It stimulates the subcutaneous blood flow, cleanses the skin, opens pores, and removes dead skin and impurities. Steam baths induce “artificial fevers” by raising the body temperature. When the body temperature reaches 38C–39.5C (100.5F–103F), a signal is sent to the immune system to swing into action. Most pathogens (germs) that enter the body cannot withstand high temperatures and they die.
SAUNAS
Saunas function at a higher temperature than a steam bath. In a sauna, the temperature is ideally between 70C–80C (158F–176F). However, the humidity is only 6–8%. As opposed to steam baths, saunas have very dry heat. Saunas promote an increase in blood circulation, increased sweating, lowering of blood pressure, and is able to kill germs, and detoxify the body. They lower body temperature, therefore they do not have the ability to induce artificial fevers.
SAUNA EFFECTS
When the surrounding temperature is hotter than the body, the only way to lose heat is through sweating. When perspiration evaporates, it lowers the body temperature. Pulse rate speeds up anywhere from 75 beats a minute to double that, resulting in an increase in blood circulation. Blood pressure remains stable since heat also causes blood vessels to expand.
STEAM BATH AND SAUNA THERAPY ADVISORIES
Saunas and steam baths are not recommended for people with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems. Avoid these therapies if you have an existing fever or open wound. Wait for an hour after eating, as you need your blood circulating on the surface of the skin, not in the digestive tract. Wait until you are cooled down from vigorous exercise, as the body temperature could increase to dangerous levels. Maximum time should in a steam bath or sauna should not exceed 20 minutes. You can lose a lot of water through perspiration; therefore, drink plenty of water afterwards.
BATHING
Bathing is important in our daily life, cleaning away dirt adhering to the body, opening pores, thus facilitating the elimination of toxins in the body through perspiration. Friction on the body by scrubbing with soap and drying with a towel stimulates circulation. Even a basic bath or shower is healthful to the body.
FULL BODY BATHS
Cold baths: below 29C (84F). Relieves fever, helps combat fatigue, energizes, and stimulates. A cold bath should only last from 30 seconds to 2–3 minutes.
Hot baths: above body temperature (37C/98.6F). Ease joint pain, constipation, respiratory ailments; reduce
stress; flush out toxins, with increased sweating; treat infections; boost the immune system; sedate; and relax. Duration of a hot bath should be 2–15 minutes. Keep a cold cloth to the head to prevent fainting. Always follow with short, cold bath to counteract the effects of depleted energy.
Warm/tepid baths: 29C–33C (84F–91F). They should never exceed the temperature of the body. They work to decrease temperature, pulse, and respiration. It is similar to a cold bath but without the shock of cold water.
Neutral bath: as close to body temperature as possible. The body is to be immersed to the neck. Treats insomnia, emotional agitation, hot flashes, it relaxes and sedates. Soak for 20 minutes.
Adding various substances to bath water can enhance the healing effects—Epsom salts, chamomile, peppermint, oatmeal, bran and lavender.
SHOWERS
Cold showers can improve circulation and improve the flow of white blood cells, which help fight infection. For the last two minutes of your regular shower, turn the cold water on to reap the benefits. This can also head off a migraine. Hot showers directed to specific parts of the body relieve stiffness and pain. They also work through reflex action to relieve gastro-intestinal upset, and diarrhea. A hot stream of water directed to the shoulder can relieve constipation. Alternating hot and cold showers can help to clear skin, relax muscles, increase circulation, and relieve stiff joints.
LOCAL BATHS
Local baths are used in specific areas of the body depending on the condition being treated. Some examples are: Sitz bath, spinal bath, and foot baths. Use either cold or hot water, or a combination of both.
SITZ BATH
The buttocks, lower abdomen, and hips are immersed in water. This can be done in the bath tub in 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) of water. Elevate the legs on a bench or stool so that the feet are not in the water. A hot water Sitz bath should be 41C–43C (105F–109F). Sit in the bath for 20–30 minutes. This increases blood flow to area. Sitz baths are used to treat delayed or painful menstruation, uterine cramps, prostate problems, painful urination, pain due to hemorrhoids, bladder spams, sciatica, and to speed the healing of urinary tract infections. Place a cold compress on the head during treatment to prevent dizziness.
A cold water Sitz bath should be between 12C–24C (53F–75F). Stay in the bath for 45–60 seconds. A cold bath decreases blood flow to the area. Cover the top half of the body to avoid chilling your whole body. A cold Sitz bath is used to treat constipation, vaginal discharge, inflammation, and hemorrhoids. Alternating hot and cold baths can be used to treat headaches, congestion, and hemorrhoids. Immerse the area in hot water for 2–4 minutes, then in cold water for 5–60 seconds. Use alternating hot and cold 2–3 times.
FOOT BATH
As much as 10% of our body surface is in the feet. Many nerve endings in the feet are connected to different areas of the body; therefore, the reflex action of hot or cold applied to the feet can affect many areas of the body. Hot foot baths treat foot and leg cramps, sore throats, cold, flu, and produce sweating. They treat bladder, kidney, throat and ear inflammation through the process of decongestion.
Cold foot baths treat insomnia, headaches including migraines, constipation, nosebleeds, and tired feet. Alternating hot and cold is also useful. Apply hot for 5 minutes, and then cold for 10 seconds. This relieves swelling in the legs and feet. It also causes arteries to contract and dilate; the muscles of artery walls will work more vigorously if exercised in this way. It will improve circulation to the lower legs and feet, prevent varicose veins and edema (swelling) in the feet. Alternating hot and cold also treats chronically cold feet by improving circulation.
KNEIPP THERAPY
Sebastien Kneipp, a German priest, who promoted various forms of water therapy stated that “circulation is life and health”. He perfected his own system of hydrotherapy involving the application of water through various methods, temperatures, and pressures. He promoted bathing in and drinking cold water, and barefoot walks in wet grass. He used cold water directed to various part of the body, with enough pressure to allow a steady stream of water without splashing—for arms, legs, knees, hips, and feet. Kneipp therapy is widely practiced in Germany to this day, in special spas known as “Kneipp spas”.
WATER STEPPING
Water stepping is the most effective of Kneipp treatments. In German resort towns, hikers can use basins fed by natural springs just for this therapy. If there is no body of water nearby, use a bath tub. Fill the bath tub to calf level with cold water (13C–16C/55F–60F). Walk back and forth in the tub, with each step lifting the leg high out of the water. The alternation between the water and the air makes the treatment effective. In the winter, this can be done in the snow. Duration of the treatment is 15 seconds to 5 minutes. Afterwards, dry the legs and apply warm socks. This treatment helps the arteries in the legs to contract, strengthens the valves in the veins, decreases leg cramps, increases circulation, and builds up the body’s resistance to disease.
COMPRESSES
Compresses are cloths soaked in water, wrung out, and applied to various parts of the body. A cold compress is a milder form of cold than ice packs, and can be placed over more delicate areas such as the eyes. Compresses mold well to the body, and can cover a larger area than ice packs. You can add anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herbs, Epsom salts, and essential oils to the compress. The different compresses are named for the part of the body that it is applied to. Compresses can be made with cloth towels, dish towels, and bath towels. The thicker the cloth, the longer lasting the effect of the compress.
COLD COMPRESS
A cold compress consists of an application of a cold, damp cloth to an area of injury to relieve pain and minimize swelling from bruises and sprains. Only use a cold compress for a few minutes at a time to prevent damage to the skin. The length of time to apply a cold compress depends on how cold the cloth is. The temperature of the cloth should be between 18C–24C (64F–75F). The maximum time should be no longer than 20 minutes. Use a thick cotton cloth or a towel as a compress. Fold the cloth into four folds, dip it into cold water, and wring out well. When applied continuously, change the cloth every few minutes. You can maintain the cold by using two compresses alternately, always having one cloth sitting in the cold water. Cold compresses can also be applied to the forehead during full-body hot treatments to avoid dizziness.
USES OF COLD COMPRESSES
Reduces inflammation—whether superficial or deep—for skin, muscles, joints, internal organs, and eyes. On the head it lowers body temperature, and reduces fevers. On the face and upper spine, it stops nosebleeds. Apply to the stomach to stop vomiting. On the skin it stops bleeding from wounds. Use on the neck treats sore throats and headaches. Chest—treats colds, asthma, fever, and cough. Abdomen—treats constipation. Pelvis—reduces hemorrhoids, treats painful menstruation. Joints—relieves arthritis pain.
WARMING COMPRESS
A warming compress it consists of an application of cold which ultimately warms up to become a mild moist heat treatment. A cold compress is applied to a part of the body, and then is covered with a dry towel or cloth, and finally a layer of plastic. The area under the layers is initially cooled, but then warms up from the body heat. Because the body heat cannot escape due to the plastic layer, the area begins to warm up. Leave in place until the area is warm; this can even be used overnight. A warming compress is similar to a full body wrap but used on a specific area of the body.
USES OF WARMING COMPRESSES
Warming compresses warm and relax muscles. They first cause constriction of blood vessels (to prevent inflammation), and then as the compress warms, the flow of blood increases to the area, bringing healing nutrients and breaking up congestion. This response of the body is used to treat sore throats, ear infections, sinus congestion, flu, chest colds, backache, joint pain, and digestive problems. Warming compresses can be applied to the feet to treat respiratory ailments and sinus congestion. Cover the feet with cold, wet socks, and then layer wool socks on top. This can be left on overnight.
WARMING THROAT COMPRESS
This is helpful for the treatment of: Sore throat, hoarseness, tonsillitis, ear infection, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Never apply a warming compress directly to the head.
CONCLUSION
This article outlines several different forms of hydrotherapy. This is just a general outline; it does not take into account individual people’s needs based on their overall health profile. To choose the correct hydrotherapy method to use with any person, knowledge regarding the effects of each of the treatments on the human body must be carefully studied. The practitioner also needs to be aware of the health condition of the individual, as some therapies are contra-indicated with some health conditions. But, for those who want to learn, there are many resources available to guide interested individuals in the art and science of hydrotherapy.
“In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven’s choicest blessings.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 237
NEXT MONTH: FORMS OF HYDROTHERAPY, PART 2